Bracket Mount for Securing Solar Panel Rail Guides on a Roof

ABSTRACT

In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing a solar panel rail and rail-less support structures to a shingle roof. More specifically, the apparatus includes a connection bracket and flashing device for use in installing solar panel rail support structures. The connection bracket is secured to the flashing device by rotating its base around a threaded connection until it locks in place so that a solar panel rail support guide can be connected to a generally U-shaped connection on the top of the bracket. The apparatus also offers an improved means to cover the penetration point on the flashing to protect it and prevent water from leaking into the roof as well as an improved way to install the apparatus over existing products. An alternate embodiment of the apparatus is offered to support a rail-less pivot mount as well.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of, and claims priority to,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/105,578, filed Nov. 26, 2020, whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/514,182, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,851,826, filed Jul. 17, 2019, which is a continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/550,018, now U.S. Pat. No.10,359,069, filed Aug. 9, 2017, which is a National Stage Entry ofPCT/US2016/044836, filed Jul. 29, 2016, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62,198,647, filed Jul. 29, 2015, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for securing asolar panel rail and rail-less support structures to a roof. Morespecifically, the apparatus provides a novel and improved connectionbracket and flashing device for use in installing solar panel rail andrail-less support structures. The apparatus is an improvement over thetraditional L-foot brackets that are typically used as the connectingpoint to secure the solar panel rail structure. The apparatus alsooffers an improved means to cover the penetration point on the flashingto protect it and prevent water from leaking into the roof as well as animproved way to install the apparatus over existing products. Analternate embodiment of the apparatus is offered to support a rail-lesspivot mount as well.

Description of the Related Art

Any discussion of the prior art in the specification should in no way beconsidered as an admission that the prior art is widely known or formspart of common general knowledge in the field.

The installation of solar panel arrays on residential roofs can bearduous and time-consuming. Depending on the array design, thecomponents required to install the array can make the installationprocess even more difficult. Many of the assembly components requirespecial tools or are generally difficult to install because they areutilized after the solar panels modules are arranged or positioned ontheir support elements. This is particularly true when the elements mustbe installed on a standard shingle roof that links to a rail guide forsupporting the solar panel array.

Existing processes that are employed to mount solar panel rail guides onshingle roofs utilize L-Foot connection brackets. A typical flashedshingle mount is shown in FIG. 2. These shingle mounts have been securedto the rafters of the roof and spaced apart for subsequent installationof solar panel rail guides. Once secured, an L-Foot bracket is thensecured through a flashing on each individual shingle mount and a solarpanel rail guide is then installed lengthwise and to each L-Foot bracketas shown below. Some mounts provide a standoff receiver 640 as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3 that elevate the roof penetration point above the roof toprevent water damage and leaks.

An improved bracket is desired for use in attaching the solar panel railguides that overcomes the limitations of a typical L-Foot bracket. Abracket that covers the penetration point of the shingle mount toprotect it from water leakage is also desired. And a symmetrical part isalso desired to allow the bracket to be secured from multiple sides. Anapparatus embodying these features is shown below.

An improved flashing receiver that supports both rail-based andrail-less pivot mounting structures that provides improved protectionagainst leaks and is easier to install over existing solutions.

The present invention overcomes these limitations and offers a solutionthat provides a support mechanism for shingle roofs that is both easyto, install and use, which allows a rail-guide to be easily andprecisely adjusted vertically along the support mechanism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is summarized below only for purposes of introducingembodiments of the invention. The ultimate scope of the invention is tobe limited only to the claims that follow the specification.

It is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus for securing asolar panel rail guide structure to a shingle roof.

It is a further object of this invention that the apparatus comprises abracket that is secured to a flashing.

It is a further object of this invention that the bracket comprises abase.

It is a further object of this invention that the bracket furthercomprises a guide that extends outward from the base.

It is a further object of this invention that the guide is a generallyU-shaped configuration that forms an aperture.

It is a further object of this invention to secure the rail guide to theguides with a nut and bolt.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a recessed path orslot that terminates at a lip on at least one end of the guide thatprevents the nut from sliding out of the guide.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a recessed path thatterminates at a lip on either side of the guide to enable installationof rail guides on either side of the bracket.

It is a further object of this invention that the surface of the guidefurther comprises a plurality of ridges to provide traction between theguide and the rail guide.

It is a further object of this invention that the base is secured to areceiver on the flashing by utilizing an internal threaded connectionbetween the receiver and the base.

It is a further object of this invention that the threaded connectionincludes a tactile snap that locks the base to the receiver when it isrotated a certain angular distance.

It is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus for securing arail-less pivot mount structure to a shingle roof.

It is a further object of this invention that the apparatus comprises asealed flashing with an attachment opening.

It is a further object of this invention that the sealing comprises aload distribution plate.

It is a further object of this invention that the base of the bracket isgenerally cylindrical in shape.

It is a further object of this invention that the sealing furthercomprises a fitting that extends upward from the rounded base.

It is a further object of this invention that the sealing is created bypress fitting the flashing between the load distribution plate andfitting or receiver.

It is a further object of this invention to secure a rail-less pivotmount to the sealing.

A person with ordinary skill in the relevant art would know that anyshape or size of the elements described below may be adopted. Anycombinations of suitable number, shape, and size of the elementsdescribed below may be used. Also, any materials suitable to achieve theobject of the current invention may be chosen as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived byreferring to the detailed description and claims when considered inconnection with the following illustrative figures. In the followingfigures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and stepsthroughout the figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a shingled roof with asample of prior art flashing structures.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a prior art flashing that issecured to a mounting bracket, which in turn is secured to a rail guideon the shingled roof shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the rail guide secured tomultiple mounting brackets on multiple flashings on the shingled roofshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of amounting bracket.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the guides of the bracketsecured to a typical solar panel rail guide using a nut and bolt.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side internal view of the bracket showing a femalethreading within the base of the bracket.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the bracket shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the portion of the flashingthat includes a male threading that receives the female threading of thebase of the bracket.

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the base showing theinternal threads.

FIG. 9A illustrates an alternate embodiment of the internal threadingand securing mechanism shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 9.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom perspective view showing the male threadsof the receiver fully inserted into the female threads of the base.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the bracket, sealedflashing, and a screw that is used to secure the flashing to the roof.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the bracket fully assembledand secured to the flashing.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the first step showing theflashing being inserted between the shingles of the roof.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the next step showing thescrew with bonded washer being inserted into the flashing to secure itto the roof.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the next step showing thebracket being lowered onto the flashing and turned in a clockwisedirection along the threads to secure the bracket to the sealedflashing.

FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the bracketbeing fully secured to the flashing.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the bracket andflashing in the secured position including the sealing details.

FIG. 18 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the first step in themanufacturing process of the flashing showing the how the flashing issealed by press fitting.

FIG. 19 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the second step inthe press-fitting process showing a sealed flashing.

FIG. 20 illustrates an exploded view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment with a base plate and receiver that is separate from theflashing.

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of a fully assembled bracket andflashing of the embodiment shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of the first step in the assemblyof the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 20 whereby base plate issecured to the roof by inserting the screw.

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view showing the next step in theassembly process by inserting the flashing between the roof shingles andplacing the flashing over the base plate.

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view showing the final step in theassembly process by placing the bracket on the receiver and turning itclockwise until it is secured.

FIG. 24A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the alternateembodiment shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 24B illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the alternateembodiment shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 24C illustrates a section view of another alternate exemplaryembodiment where the receiver is welded to the flashing.

FIG. 24D illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the receiver andflashing in FIG. 24C in the secured position including the sealingdetails.

FIG. 24E illustrates a perspective view of the receiver of theembodiment shown in FIG. 24C showing the detail of the welding.

FIG. 24F illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an alternateembodiment of the sealed flashing with a combination receiver/loaddistribution plate that is injection molded or cast around the openingof the flashing to create a seal.

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view showing a pivot mount beingsecured to the rail less sealing embodiment shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 26 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a sealing embodimentwith an alternate receiver that is not threaded.

FIG. 27 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the rail-less sealingembodiment being assembled by press fitting the elements together.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional side view of the finished rail-less sealingembodiment.

FIG. 29 is a perspective section view of the rail-less sealingembodiment shown in FIG. 28 with and inset bonding washer.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the rail-less sealing embodiment shownin FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a perspective exploded view of the first step in installingthe rail-less sealing embodiment shown in FIG. 30 to a roof by using ascrew.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the second step in securing the pivotmount to the rail-less sealing embodiment shown in FIG. 30.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the third step in securing the pivotmount to the rail- less sealing embodiment shown in FIG. 30 by using anut.

FIG. 34 illustrates a section view of the pivot mount of FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are provided to thoroughly understand thevarious aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, bythose skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, knownstructures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order toavoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of theoperation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms ofthe invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented insoftware. It should be noted that there are many different andalternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which thedisclosed embodiments may be applied. The full scope of the invention isnot limited to the example(s) that are described below.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a typical existing solar panel array structure.FIG. 1 shows a typical shingle roof 600 with several flashings 630installed with a receiver 640. FIG. 2 illustrates how an L-shapedbracket 650 is secured directly to the flashing 630. FIG. 3 shows afront view of a rail-guide secured to multiple L-shaped brackets 650.The figure also includes examples of a receiver 640 can be utilized toraise the level of where the L-shaped bracket 650 interfaces with theflashing and the roof. The bracket 650 is then generally secured to arail guide 620 by using a standard nut and bolt combination as shown,which is then used to support an end clamp 660. The end clamp 660 isthen coupled to a solar panel module 610 as shown.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention thatovercomes the limitations of the prior art. A mounting bracket 100 isshown. The mounting bracket 100 is an improvement over the L-shapedbracket shown in FIGS. 1-3. The bracket 100 has a base 110. A typicalbase is cylindrically shaped as shown, but the base 110 is not limitedto a round shape. The base 110 tapers upward and forms a generallyU-shaped guide 130 that forms a pair of members 103 extending fromopposing sides of the base 110, which in turn forms an aperture 135.Aperture 135 also includes a recessed path 101 that terminates at a lip100A. FIG. 5 shows how once a fastener such as nut and bolt 140 isdropped into the aperture 135, the path 101 allows the nut and bolt 140to move along the path 101, but the lip 100A prevents the edge of thebolt 140A from slipping out of the aperture 135. Each side of the guide130 also includes ridges 120.

FIG. 5 illustrates in greater detail how the bracket 100 is coupled toan alternate embodiment of a rail guide 200 similar to the support 620shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. This particular rail guide 200 includes a boltslot 210. The bracket 100 is typically coupled to the rail guide 200 byusing the nut and bolt combination 140. The guide 130 allows the nut andbolt combination 140 to be inserted downward at the top of the open endof the aperture 135 between the nut and the rail support 200 with thenut already partially tightened as shown in FIG. 5. The symmetricalshape of the bracket 100 and the existence of a recessed path 101 andlip 100A on both sides of aperture 135 also allows the bracket 100 to becoupled to the rail-guide 210 from either side of the guide 130. Thelength of the aperture 135 allows the rail guide 200 to be adjusted atvarious heights. Other similar shapes can be used for the guide 130 suchas one that is closed on all sides. A closed configuration, however,would require that the bolt be inserted through the aperture 135 priorto affixing the nut. The ridges 120 typically provide increased frictionbetween the nut and the guide 130 to prevent the rail support 200 fromslipping

FIG. 6 shows a transparent side view of the base 110. A threaded link150 is present in an internal or hollow opening of the base 110. Thethreaded link 150 is typically a female threaded portion that will beused to secure the base 110 to a receiver 315 to be discussed in FIG. 8.The threaded portion is not limited to a female threaded portion. Itcould also be a male threaded portion that fits to a female receiver, orit could also be another suitable connector like a bayonet-type ofconnector such as that shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. 7 shows a top view of thebracket 100 showing how the bracket 100 can be turned in the clockwisedirection to secure it to the receiver 315 as shown in FIG. 8. Thisembodiment of the threaded link 150 shows a four-start thread thattypically requires a 180-degree rotation for full installation. Thissimplifies installation and allows for multiple orientations of railguides on the roof. Other similar thread configurations can also beused.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary receiver 315. The receiver 315 is typicallyembedded or secured at a raised portion of the flashing 300 that forms araised base 310 as shown in FIG. 11. The raised base 310 raises thelevel of the receiver 315 so that liquids or moisture will notaccumulate where the receiver 315 is located. This elevates the roofpenetration point above the roof's surface to prevent water damage andleakage. The receiver 315 also includes a threaded portion 320, a snaptab 330, and an opening 340. The threaded portion 320 preferably shouldinclude male threads that can be used to join the base 110 of thebracket 100 to the receiver 315. The snap tab 330 provides an exemplarymeans for providing an audible or tactile notification that the bracket100 has been locked to the receiver 315.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective close-up internal view of the threaded link150 of the base 110. Bumps 165 are present on the rim 167 of the base110. FIG. 10 shows a similar view to that of FIG. 9. In FIG. 10, a viewof a typical receiver 315 threaded portion 320 is fully inserted intothe threaded link 150. This is typically accomplished by rotating thebracket 100 in a clockwise direction around the threaded portion 320until it is locked in place. Prior to the bracket 100 being fullyengaged with the receiver 315, the bumps 165 will engage the snap tabs330 and then snap in place.

FIG. 9A shows an alternate embodiment of the snap tabs 330 and bumps165. A raised edge 168 inside the hollow opening of the base 110 engagesand snaps over a protrusion 169 on the receiver 315. In this case, theraised edge 168 inside the base 110 as shown in FIG. 9B is a separatecomponent such as a retaining ring like a circlip, which is thering-shaped portion shown in the figure. This combination provides atactile or audible indication when the bracket 100 is properly coupledto the receiver 315. The raised base 310 terminates toward the opening340 by forming a vertical edge 302. The vertical edge 302 may also taperinward toward the opening 340.

FIGS. 11-15 illustrate the steps used to join the bracket 100 to thereceiver 315 and install the flashing 300 to the roof 600. FIG. 11 showsan exploded view of the combination flashing and bracket assembly withflashing 300, which is generally a flat, rectangular-shaped metallicstructure, although other suitable shapes and materials would work aswell. The flashing 300 comprises a receiver 315 that is either embeddedor secured with the flashing 300 along a raised base 310 on the flashing300. A bolt 125 is used to secure the flashing 300 to the roof 600 byinserting the bolt 125 through the opening 340. The bracket 100 is alsoshown. FIG. 12 shows the bracket 100 secured to the receiver 315 and theflashing 300 presumably secured to the roof 600 as the bolt 125 has beeninserted through the opening 340. FIG. 13 shows the first step toassembling the flashing 300 to the roof 600. One side of the flashing300 is typically inserted between the shingles 615 on the roof 600. FIG.14 illustrates the next step, which is to secure the flashing 300 to theroof 600 by inserting the bolt 125 through the opening 340 of thereceiver 315 and rotating the bolt 125 until it is fully tightened. FIG.15 shows the final step, which is to engage the bracket 100 with thereceiver 315 and rotate the bracket 100 clockwise along the threadedportion 320 until it is locked into place, which is apparent when thebumps 165 snap into place on the snap tabs 330 or when the circlip 168engages the receiver 315 causing a tactile snap to occur and making anaudible sound. FIG. 16 shows a sectional view of the fully assembledbracket/flashing combination where the internal elements can be seen.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional side view showing how the fullyassembled flashing combination beneath the capped bracket 100 is sealedto prevent moisture from entering the roof 600. A load distributionplate 350 is provided between the flashing 300 and the roof 600. Theload distribution plate 350 is typically made of a metallic material,but any suitable material capable of distributing the load from thesolar array to the roof would be sufficient. The load distribution plate350 also is tightly joined to the flashing 300 at its raised base 310,and receiver 315. The interference fit between these slightly taperedparts creates a watertight seal. A washer 126 is also provided betweenthe top of the bolt 125 and the top of the receiver 315 to furtherprevent moisture from seeping inside the opening 340 of the receiver315. FIGS. 18 and 19 show an exemplary method for making the receiver315 water tight by using a press fit manufacturing process. As shown inFIG. 18, prior to press fitting, the load distribution plate 350 has notyet been inserted into the receiver 315 as evidenced by a first gap 173and a second gap 303. The opening in the flashing 300 is supported andsealed by pressing the receiver 315 and load distribution plate 350together with the flashing 300 and raised base 310, which also includesthe vertical edge 302 (also shown in FIG. 9B) in between thedistribution plate 350 becomes fully inserted into the gaps 173 and 303to seal off any available internal openings as shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 20 illustrates an exploded view of another exemplary alternateembodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a separate flashing 301and a foundation 305 is shown and can provide a more simplifiedinstallation when the solar panel array is being assembled by multipleinstallers who carry out each step in an “assembly line” type ofprocess. This embodiment also moves the roof penetration point so it isupward on the roof from the aperture 309 in the flashing 300. Thisprevents water damage and leakage. The foundation 305 includes a hole306 for receiving the bolt 125 on one end with the receiver 315 on theother end. A washer 126, which may be a bonded washer, is includedbetween the receiver 315 and the bolt 125 to provide a seal over thehole 306 to prevent moisture from entering the roof. The flashing 301includes a raised molding 308 that fits to the contour of the foundation305 and provides an aperture 309 that allows the receiver 315 to fitthrough. FIG. 21 shows an assembled version of the embodiment where thebracket 100 is secured to the receiver 315.

FIG. 22 shows how the embodiment is assembled. First, the foundation 305is properly aligned to the proper location as shown. The bolt 125 isinserted through hole 306. As shown in FIG. 23, in the next step theflashing 301 is inserted beneath the shingles 615 on one end, and theother end of the flashing 301 is lowered and fitted so that the molding308 fits on top of the foundation 305 so that the receiver 315 fitsthrough the aperture 309. FIG. 24 shows the final step, which is tosecure the bracket 100 to the receiver 315 by engaging the base 110 onthe threaded portion 320 of the receiver 315 is fully accessible. Thebracket 100 is then rotated clockwise until it is fully tightened andsnaps into place as described in the previous embodiment above. FIGS.24A and 24B illustrate cross-sectional views of the fully assembledembodiment as shown in FIG. 24 from both a side and perspective viewrespectively.

FIG. 24C illustrates a section view of an alternate exemplary embodimentof the invention. In this embodiment, the receiver 315 and loaddistribution plate 350 are one piece that is welded to the raised base310 of the flashing 300. The embodiment is installed using the samesteps as the embodiment described in FIGS. 11-15. In this embodiment,the receiver 315 is fit through the flashing 300 as shown in thecross-sectional side view of FIG. 24D so that the base 310 is sealed tothe receiver 315 using, for example, a weld 357 such as a laser weld,during the manufacturing process as shown in the perspective view ofFIG. 24E.

FIG. 24F shows another alternate exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the receiver and load distribution platecombination 356 is typically a polymer that is molded directly onto theflashing 300. The embodiment is installed using the same steps as theembodiment described in FIGS. 11-15. The cross-sectional side viewprovides a view the internal aspects of the embodiment. The molding ofthe combination 356 to flashing 300 creates a single part with a raisedand supported seal that replaces the need for a pressed seal in FIGS.18-19 or a welded seal in FIGS. 24D-24E.

FIG. 25 illustrates another alternate exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. The figure shows a rail-less pivot mount 400 with thesolar panel module support 500 that is fully assembled to the flashing300, which is assembled to a roof 600. The pivot mount 400 is coupled toa sealing 700 that is shown in FIG. 26. The sealing 700 is an alternateexemplary embodiment of the assembled flashing combination as shown inFIG. 19 and is typically the cylindrically shaped member that arail-less pivot mount is coupled to as discussed below. FIG. 26illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the sealing 700. The sealing700 includes a generally cylindrical-shaped fitting 720, a loaddistribution plate 350. A bonded washer 126 is shown as an added weatherbarrier that includes an opening 715. The washer 126, the fitting 720,and the distribution plate 350 are aligned along a central axis to forma single aperture 740. FIG. 27 shows a cross-sectional side view thatdemonstrates how the sealing 700 is manufactured. As shown, the fitting720, and the distribution plate 350 are all press fit together undercompression so that the base 310 of the flashing 300 is sealed betweenthe fitting 720 and the distribution plate 350. The fitting 720 and thedistribution plate 350 include tapered portions 731 with pocketed wallsso that the upper portion of the base 310 can flow into these areas whenthe parts are press fit together. FIG. 28 shows a cross-sectional sideview of a fully assembled sealing 700 after its components have beenpress fit. Other suitable techniques to manufacture the sealing 700could also be used as well. FIG. 29 shows a perspective cross-sectionalview of the view in FIG. 28. FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of theouter perimeter of the sealing 700 that is fully assembled with washer126 placed into the top opening of the fitting 720.

FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of how the flashing 300 is assembled tothe roof 600. The hanger bolt 125A with a bonded washer 126, is insertedthrough the aperture 740 in the sealing 700. Once the flashing 300 issecured to the roof 600, the rear of the pivot mount 400 is lowered onto the fitting 720 as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 32. Thepivot mount 400 is then secured to the sealing 700 by using a nut 770.The nut 770 is rotated clockwise on top of the second hanger bolt 125Auntil it is tightened in place. FIG. 34 shows a sectional view of afully assembled pivot mount 400 to the sealing 700 that is secured bythe utilizing the nut 770. The solar panel module support 500 can thenreceive a pair of solar panel modules to utilize a rail-less system toinstall the solar panel array.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting device comprising: a base having aninternal cavity bound by an inner surface of the base, the baseextending from a bottom perimeter to a top, and the base having an openbottom in communication with the internal cavity; an upper portion abovethe base, wherein the upper portion extends from the top of the base andincludes a vertical member defining a face above the base, wherein theface has a width; an aperture formed in the face and extending throughthe upper portion transverse to the width of the face; and the openbottom of the base has a dimension parallel to the width which extendsbeyond the width of the face.
 2. The mounting device of claim 1, furthercomprising a seal under the bottom perimeter.
 3. A mounting devicecomprising: a base having an internal cavity bound by an inner surfaceof the base, the base extending from a bottom perimeter to a top, andthe base having an open bottom in communication with the internalcavity; a first upper member above the base, wherein the first uppermember extends from the base and defines a first inner face above thebase, wherein the first inner face has a first width; a second uppermember above the base, wherein the second upper member extends from thebase and defines a second inner face above the base, wherein the secondinner face has a second width; and the open bottom of the base has adimension parallel to the first and second widths which is greater thanat least one of the first and second widths.
 4. The mounting device ofclaim 3, further comprising: a guide bound by the first and second uppermembers; an aperture in one of the first and second upper members; and asecuring fastener applicable to the aperture for securing an object inthe guide.
 5. A mounting device comprising: a base having an internalcavity, a top, and an open bottom in communication with the internalcavity; opposed upper support members above the base, cooperativelyflanking a guide above the base, wherein the guide is configured toreceive an object held between the upper support members and over thebase; and the base extends outward beyond each of the upper supportmembers.
 6. A mounting device comprising: a base having an open bottom,an inner surface, and an internal cavity bound by the inner surface ofthe base, wherein the open bottom is in communication with the internalcavity; a linear guide on the base, wherein the linear guide has alength and is configured to receive, slide, and secure support hardwarealong the length; and the open bottom of the base has a dimensionparallel to the length of the liner guide, which dimension is less thansaid length.
 7. A mounting device comprising: a base having an internalcavity; an upper portion above the base, wherein the upper portionextends upward from the base and includes a vertical member definingopposed first and second faces above the base; an aperture formedthrough the upper portion and extending through the first and secondfaces; and wherein the base extends outward, beyond each of the firstand second faces.
 8. The mounting device of claim 7, wherein theinternal cavity, bound by the base, extends outward beyond each of thefirst and second faces.
 9. The mounting device of claim 7, wherein theaperture is transverse to the first and second faces.
 10. A mountingdevice comprising: a base having an internal cavity; an upper portionabove the base, wherein the upper portion extends upward from the baseand includes a vertical member defining opposed first and second facesabove the base; an aperture formed through the upper portion andextending through the first and second faces; and a seal under the basewhich extends outward beyond each of the first and second faces of theupper portion.
 11. The mounting device of claim 10, wherein the internalcavity extends outward beyond each of the first and second faces of theupper portion.